When you go through a transformation or make a massive change it's usually preceded by one event that makes you completely aware of how necessary it is to create a change in your life. Many people call it a breaking point. I call mine a tearing point.

I had an average to above average physique most of my life, a good attitude, and high energy. However, in mid to late 2011, I returned from military service in Afghanistan and fell into a serious rut, filled with booze, poor financial decisions, self-destructive behavior, isolation, and overall bad dietary habits. The only part of my life not in utter disarray was my job. I seemed to have everything at my fingertips, but maybe it was adjusting to civilian life after spending time in a high-stress environment. Maybe it was demons from my past that crept up. My life was spiraling out of control and I was oblivious to the chaos that my life became.

My "tearing point" came while I was at work on Friday, December 21, 2012. Nothing was out of the ordinary, except for when I sat down in my chair and heard a loud tearing noise followed by a rush of air on the side of my leg.

The seam on my gray dress pants gave way to a year's worth of excessive drinking, binge eating, minimal physical activity, and a destructive lifestyle. I was only halfway through the day and had a presentation to give to my manager and director. I was humiliated, defeated, depressed, victimized, but most importantly, disturbed. I had to make a change.

I went from 195 pounds (size 32 pants) and could run the Marine Corps three-mile PFT in 19:24 in May 2011, to 240 pounds (size 38 pants) and couldn't finish a three-mile run by the end of 2012. I deserved better than what I regressed to. My family, girlfriend, friends, and Marines deserved better than that.

I was disturbed enough to do something about it and found the Kris Gethin's 12-Week Hardcore Trainer. I can't tell you why or how. I just made a decision to take action, accountability, and control over at least one portion of my life.

How I Accomplished My Goals

The first day was tough. It was cardio/legs/cardio. Just 20 minutes of cardio in the morning would have been tough enough. I knew it was going to be difficult, but I committed to the program and saw it through.

Nutrition was one of my biggest challenges. I was used to ordering an entire large pizza for just me to wash down a case of lager! Another challenge was to find ways to manage working 50-60 hours per week, 6-7 days per week while maintaining my proper meals. My girlfriend wasn't a fan of the famous (or in her words "infamous") mass cooks every Sunday. The only time we argued during the entire experience was on Sundays when I stunk up the apartment with tilapia, turkey and chicken breast, round steak, rice, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

I was definitely tempted to "cheat" on the program. That's where the Gethin Trainer helps. Watching the videos was great to keep focused on the goal. I kept copies of my "before" picture on my phone as reminders of what got me into this mess.

Being active on BodySpace was great because it helped me stay accountable and draw inspiration from other members. I became transparent with my family, friends, and co-workers about my goals. The biggest help was that I set a goal, found a plan, and stuck to it.

Resume Regular Sets

Superset: Repeat Exercises 1 & 2

Resume Regular Sets

It was a tie between three factors. The first was the fact that the 12-Week Gethin Trainer takes a tremendous amount of commitment. It took lots of sacrifice and time management on my part and a deep understanding from my family, friends, and girlfriend.

The second was juggling 50-60 hours per week at work and getting my cardio, training, and meals in at the appropriate times.

The third was travel. My girlfriend is from Dayton, Ohio, so we travel from Pittsburgh and there a lot. It took extra planning and preparation to find a gym for training days and to have my meals pre-packaged for weekend trips.

My Future Fitness Plans

I'm actively pursuing a degree in exercise science and nutrition. I'm also working on a personal training certification. I'm truly passionate about fitness and want to help others attain the success I found through this experience.

I will compete for Mr. Pittsburgh in May 2014 at an NPC event. I have a trainer with years of experience and he's excited to help me exceed my goals. I would like to compete on a regular basis.

Suggestions for Aspiring Transformers

If you started a transformation, congratulations! Stick to your plan and be conscious of your results.

If you're considering a transformation, I would recommend Kris Gethin's 12-Week Hardcore Trainer.

Become transparent with everyone about your goals. This will force you to stay accountable. You'll be surprised at the support you receive.

Create a BodySpace account. I received many messages and comments that lifted me up on an "off" day.

Never stop learning. Study something new every day about fitness, nutrition, and supplementation.

How Bodybuilding.com Helped Me Reach My Goals

Bodybuilding.com has everything I needed to complete a successful transformation. I won't name any names, but I used to shop at a three-letter retail supplement chain that offers most of the same products. The difference between them and Bodybuilding.com is that Bodybuilding.com offers supplements at a ridiculously reduced cost.

I'm extremely grateful to Bodybuilding.com for giving me the tools and resources I needed to change my life.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional prior to beginning any diet or exercise program or taking any dietary supplement. The content on our website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.